How do you go from faxing newspaper ads to building an AI tool that redefines creativity? I chat with Leslie Walsh, Head of Strategy at Episode 4, about her journey from agency intern to the driving force behind RYA—a tool designed to deliver “radical yet acceptable” ideas at speed. We explore the bold decisions and career moves that shaped her path, from leaning into new opportunities to taking on risks that paid off in unexpected ways. Leslie breaks down what it really takes to create an AI product, how to sell big ideas internally, and why focusing on what really matters to your audience makes all the difference. If you’re curious about what goes into building AI tools or want to know how to make your own career leaps, you’ll love this conversation.

From intern to AI innovator: building groundbreaking creative tools with Leslie Walsh, Head of Strategy at Episode Four

Want to know how the latest event tech is reshaping marketing? In this episode, I sit down with Vanessa Lovatt, Strategy Consultant and founder of Event Tech World. Vanessa’s been at the forefront of transforming how events are run, working with names like the Financial Times. We get into her biggest career lessons, the tools marketers should have on their radar, and what the future of event tech really looks like. Whether you’re an events pro or just curious about the tech driving the industry forward, this one’s packed with insights you can act on.

How event tech is changing the game with Vanessa Lovatt, Strategy Consultant and Founder of Event Tech World

Curious about what it takes to scale and exit a digital business? In this episode, I chat with Ryan Williams, Entrepreneur and Founder of a successful social media enterprise. Ryan shares his journey from IT professional to building and selling a thriving digital business. He opens up about the challenges along the way, lessons learned, and what life looks like after the big sale. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or fascinated by the digital landscape, this episode offers real-world advice from someone who’s been there, done that, and got the t-shirt.

From IT to social media empire: Building and selling a digital business with Ryan Williams, Entrepreneur and Founder

Wondering how to navigate the UK’s competitive marketing job landscape? In this episode, I sit down with Gareth Cartman, a marketer turned recruiter, who recently conducted an in-depth study on the current state of the UK marketing job market. We delve into key findings from his report and discuss strategies for standing out, managing salary expectations, and tapping into hidden job opportunities. Whether you’re in the UK or elsewhere, Gareth’s insights offer valuable guidance for advancing your marketing career. <a href="https://theexample.co.uk/the-marketing-jobseeker-survey-q4-24-report/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read the full report</a>

Understanding the UK marketing job market with Gareth Cartman, founder at Example

Ever wondered how to truly measure the effectiveness of your marketing efforts? In this episode, I sit down with Matt Laybourn, founder at Rockee, to discuss his journey from building a B2C e-commerce brand to becoming an expert in marketing effectiveness. We explore the challenges of proving marketing impact, the evolution of buyer behavior, and the role and limitations of AI in content creation. Whether you’re a seasoned marketer or just starting out, Matt’s experiences offer valuable lessons on enhancing marketing performance.

Measuring marketing impact with Matt Laybourn, founder at Rockee

Ever wondered what it takes to excel in social media? In this episode, I chat with Katie Barber, a social brand manager with experience across the UK, Europe, and Silicon Valley. We discuss her design background and how it paved the way for her first roles, balancing creativity with business goals, and why consistency is a superpower. Katie also shares how AI is influencing her work, reflections on starting her own business, and plenty of practical advice for aspiring social media managers.

Unlocking social media success with Katie Barber, Social Brand Manager

With a background spanning business development, operations, training and development, and community development, Prabhjyot has always been attracted that roles where she can have a lasting impact. As she turned her sights to marketing we discuss how she: <ul><li>Turned the skills she developed in other roles towards marketing</li><li>Learned from other marketers and people around her</li><li>Developed a freelancing career, how she was able to compete and win new clients</li></ul> Additional links to resources mentioned: <ul><li>'The Fractional CMO Method' book by Casey Stanton:&nbsp;<a href="https://cmox.co/book/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://cmox.co/book/</a>&nbsp;</li><li>The Fractional CMO Community:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/fractionalcmo/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/groups/fractionalcmo/</a></li><li>Toptal freelance talent platform&nbsp;<a href="https://www.toptal.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.toptal.com/</a></li></ul>

'Making an impact' with Prabhjyot Kaur, Fractional CMO and Startup Growth Specialist 

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Katie joins us to discuss the best and worst aspects of a career in marketing with her trademark, candid style. Sharing her own routes and approach to succeed despite learning difficulties, being told university wasn't 'for her' and toxic work environments, we discuss: <ul><li>How she created, and took every opportunity to stand out from the crowd</li><li>Her first steps into the industry managing online communities with brands like Durex</li><li>Working in toxic environments and her drive to go freelance.</li><li>How ‘No Wanky Bollocks’ was created and it's role in calling out bullshit in business</li><li>Why and how she built Antiquoted, a platform to help diverse voices and perspectives get heard in the media</li></ul> (You can read Katie's article we discussed on No Wanky Bollocks at <a href="https://nowankybollocks.com/2023/07/06/red-flags-and-the-toxic-topless-boss/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://nowankybollocks.com/2023/07/06/red-flags-and-the-toxic-topless-boss/</a>)

'No wanky bollocks' with Katie Kelly, Founder and B2B Content & PR Consultant

Real stories from proper marketers on developing successful careers

Exploring the personal and professional development journeys of marketers from a wide range of backgrounds and industries. Join us as we dive into their highs, lows, and everything in between, uncovering practical, pragmatic insights and takeaways that you can apply to your own career.

Marketing Careers Uncovered

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